Are you considering getting an American shorthair cat and you would like to know how long do American shorthairs live?
In this article, you can find out!
Here we bring you some characteristics of this cat such as their physical attributes, personality traits, and most importantly their lifespan. So, if you want to learn more about this breed, please continue reading this article.
Physical Attributes
American Shorthair cats are mostly medium-large sized cats. Male cats will weigh around 15 pounds while the female cat weighs about 10 pounds. They have an overall muscular body and pretty strong legs. They come in a big variety of colors and patterns from white, to cream, brown, tortoiseshell, and a few others.
Personality Traits
American Shorthair cats are very friendly by nature which means they are the perfect cat for any household, even if there are kids involved. They are ideal for life in captivity. They are very playful and like human interaction. Another trait of the American Shorthair is their adaptable nature which means they can adapt to different living conditions so these cats can live in the wild as well.
How Long Do American Shorthair Cats Live?
The life expectancy for this cat breed is anywhere between 15 to 20 years. They are generally quite healthy and don’t have any big hereditary health problems, aside from genetic heart disease called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy or HCM. This illness is passed down from their parents, so when you are buying a kitten make sure that the parents were tested negative.
Other Health Issues
Aside from HCM, there are no other serious illnesses the American Shorthair suffers from. You do have to avoid overfeeding them as they get the tendency to get obese. They require a lot of protein and fat in their diet as well as very little carbs. If you feed them too many carbs that could lead to diabetes, decreased mobility, and a greater chance of developing arthritis which all leads to an earlier death. It’s better to prevent any ilness but if it happens, it’s good to be informed about how long can a cat live with diabetes without insulin or how long can a cat live with arthritis. You will also need to do proper grooming to prevent any periodontal diseases and infections.
Grooming And Care
Another great thing about this cat breed is that they are quite low-maintenance cats. Since their coat is short they don’t shed too much. Therefore, you will only have to brush them to remove dead hair. You will also have to trim their nails every other week and brush their teeth twice a week.
To Sum Up
American Shorthair is considered one of the healthiest cat breeds. Their average lifespan is between 15 and 20 years. They are also a low maintenance breed that is suitable for almost any household. If you want to keep an eye on your cat, even when you aren’t home, check out the pet monitor cameras we reviewed in another article. We also have one all on the cat camera treat dispensers which allow you to reward your cat every once in a while.
